Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Tots The Veggie Upgrade Youve Been Waiting For
Need a fun way to eat your veggies These Parmesan Zucchini Tots are crispy cheesy and totally addictive Baked or airfried theyre a guaranteed hit Get the recipe ... Vegetarian Delights
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself with way too much zucchini? Honestly, me too! These Parmesan Zucchini Tots are the perfect way to use it all up. They're cheesy, savory, and surprisingly addictive.
Brief Overview
These delightful Crispy zucchini parmesan bites are Italian-American inspired. They're a simple dish that transforms a humble vegetable. This Zucchini Tots Recipe is easy peasy.
It takes about 45 minutes. This recipe makes around 24 tots. They are good for 4-6 servings.
Main Benefits
These Healthy zucchini snacks are a great way to sneak in extra veggies. They're perfect for picky eaters and a fun vegetable side dish recipes .
What makes these special? They're crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. They're packed with flavor thanks to the parmesan.
I love serving these up at parties. The kids love them and my wife loves them!
Now you might ask, "How do I actually make these Cheesy Zucchini Tots ?". Well, First, you'll need some zucchini, of course.
Then comes Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, an egg, flour, and garlic. Oh, and don't forget the black pepper!.
You can bake these bad boys, or even better. Use the air fryer for extra crispiness, making air fryer zucchini tots .
If you have leftover carrots in your fridge, that would also be great to use, as these can be turned into Zucchini Carrot Tots .
Either way, you're in for a treat!
These Parmesan Zucchini Tots are not just tasty. But also relatively healthy-ish. Especially if you bake them! They're a fantastic alternative to potato tots.
These Baked zucchini tots are also super easy to customize, you could also look up How To Make Zucchini Tots as I based this on that.
Ready to turn that mountain of zucchini into something amazing? Let's get to the ingredients!
Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Tots The Veggie Upgrade Youve Been Waiting For Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Let’s Make Some Magic!
Alright, so you're ready to dive into making some Parmesan Zucchini Tots ? Awesome! Honestly, these are surprisingly simple. Let’s get you set up with everything you need.
Think of it as gathering your gear for a fun kitchen adventure.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show!
Zucchini: You’ll need 2 medium ones (about 1 pound/450g ), grated. Go for firm, dark green ones. Mushy zucchinis are a no-go.
Salt: 1 teaspoon of kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon of table salt). This draws out moisture. This step is super important.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup ( 50g ) finely grated, plus extra for sprinkling. Get the good stuff, you know? Freshly grated is key!
Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup ( 35g ). These give that satisfying crisp.
All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup ( 30g ), plus extra for dusting. Plain old AP flour works great!
Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten. It helps bind everything.
Garlic: 1 clove, minced. Adds a little zing!
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon . Just a touch for some warmth.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . For drizzling if you're baking.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up (or Keep it Simple!)
We’re keeping it classic, but you can totally add some flair. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Try some Italian seasoning for an extra layer.
Experiment, that is what cooking is! You can try adding herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. They add freshness. If you don't have garlic, use a little garlic powder.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this. Really!
Grater: A box grater works fine. If you have a food processor, go for it.
Large Bowl: For mixing. Obvious, right?
Kitchen Towel: A clean one. Essential for squeezing out zucchini juice.
Baking Sheet: Or an air fryer!
Parchment Paper: Optional but saves on cleanup.
Air fryer : If you want to have your Air fryer zucchini tots version.
Basically, you'll be using your hands. Let’s make some Crispy zucchini parmesan bites . You are going to love this Zucchini Tots Recipe .
We want a very Healthy zucchini snacks and this one is a great Vegetable side dish recipes . There you have it! You are ready to start How To Make Zucchini Tots .
You can also try doing the Zucchini Tots Oven or Cheesy Zucchini Tots . You could even add carrots into the mix and do Zucchini Carrot Tots .
Or transform them into the very famous Baked zucchini tots . Let’s get to cooking!
Mastering the Art of Parmesan Zucchini Tots
Okay, so Parmesan Zucchini Tots . Honestly, these are game-changers! Forget boring veggies; we're talking crispy, cheesy goodness. Ever find yourself staring at a mountain of zucchini? This Zucchini Tots Recipe is your salvation! They are the perfect healthy zucchini snacks or Vegetable side dish recipes ! It's all about giving those green giants a tasty makeover, that will bring the cheesy zucchini tots that your family will love.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First, you need your mise en place . It sounds fancy, but just means getting everything ready. Grate 2 medium zucchini (that's about 1 pound).
Then, sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of salt . This draws out the moisture. Squeezing out all the liquid from the zucchini is non negotiable.
Then preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
Time-saving tip: Use a food processor for grating. And always wash your hands before you start cooking, folks!
From Mush to Munch: The Step-by-Step
- Grate zucchini, salt it, then squeeze out every last drop of moisture. Seriously, wring it like you're mad at it.
- In a bowl, mix the squeezed zucchini with ½ cup Parmesan cheese , ½ cup panko breadcrumbs , ¼ cup flour , 1 egg , 1 minced garlic clove , and ¼ teaspoon pepper .
- Form the mixture into small tots. Dust hands with flour if needed.
- Bake for 15- 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy , flipping halfway. Or, if you’re team fast, air fry them!
- Let them cool a tad before scoffing them down.
That's how to make baked zucchini tots .
Pro Tips from Yours Truly
Don't skimp on the squeezing. Seriously, soggy tots are no fun. Also using freshly grated parmesan will make a real difference to your Crispy zucchini parmesan bites .
Consider making a bigger amount of zucchini carrot tots to feed the whole family with these healthy zucchini snacks . And air-fried is also an option, to make it air fryer zucchini tots .
A common mistake? Overcrowding the baking sheet. Give those little fellas some space. Honestly, baking these on a wire rack inside the baking sheet it's a game changer.
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Parmesan Zucchini Tots
Right, so you're about to embark on your Parmesan Zucchini Tots adventure. Ace! Before you get your pinny on, let's have a quick chat about getting the best results.
Honestly, it's all about the little tweaks and insider tips.
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On
These aren't just your average vegetable side dish recipes. Think fancy! Plating wise, arrange your Crispy zucchini parmesan bites on a nice plate.
A dollop of marinara sauce is classic, but how about a lemon-garlic aioli for something a bit posh? They also pair brilliantly with grilled chicken or even a proper burger.
A side salad never hurts. Want to make them even more fun? Try sticking a little toothpick in each one!
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh
Got leftovers? Rare, but it happens. Pop those Cheesy Zucchini Tots in the fridge. They'll be grand for about 3 days.
Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to get that crispiness back . Freezing is an option, but they might lose a bit of their texture.
If you do freeze them, lay them out flat on a baking sheet first, then bag 'em up once they're solid.
To reheat, just pop them straight into the oven from frozen at 350° F .
Variations: Mix It Up a Bit
Fancy a change? You can adapt your Zucchini Tots Recipe easily. For a dietary swap, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs if you're dodging gluten.
To make Zucchini Carrot Tots , add a grated carrot to the mixture! Seasonal swaps? In autumn, a pinch of nutmeg adds a warm, comforting flavour.
Nutrition Basics: Guilt-Free Snacking
Okay, so these Healthy zucchini snacks aren't exactly a salad, but they are a great way to get your veggies in.
Each serving (about 5-6 tots) clocks in at around 120-150 calories. They're packed with vitamins from the zucchini and a good source of protein from the Parmesan.
Plus, you’re sneaking in some extra fiber.
Right then, you've got all the info you need. Go forth and make some amazing Baked zucchini tots ! Don't forget that this Air fryer zucchini tots recipe is a winner as well.
Remember, squeezing out that zucchini is vital to How To Make Zucchini Tots . You got this. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My Parmesan Zucchini Tots are soggy. What went wrong?
Ah, the dreaded soggy tot! The most common culprit is excess moisture in the zucchini. Make sure you really wring out as much liquid as humanly possible after grating it. Think of it like giving it a good old British "squeeze 'til the pips squeak"! Using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and putting some muscle into it will do the trick.
Can I make Parmesan Zucchini Tots ahead of time?
You sure can! You can prepare the zucchini mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. I'd suggest holding off on forming them into tots until you're ready to bake or air fry, as they might get a bit softer the longer they sit. Give the mixture a good stir before forming to redistribute any liquid that may have accumulated.
What's the best way to store leftover Parmesan Zucchini Tots?
Leftover tots are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep for about 3-4 days, but be warned, they will lose some of their crispness. To reheat, I recommend using an oven or air fryer to try and bring back some of that delightful texture, rather than the microwave (which can make them a bit sad and soggy).
Can I freeze these Parmesan Zucchini Tots?
Freezing is an option, but be aware that the texture might change a bit. To freeze, arrange the baked and cooled tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
I'm on a low-carb diet. Can I still enjoy these Parmesan Zucchini Tots?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt the recipe to be lower in carbs. Try substituting almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour and using a low-carb breadcrumb alternative. Just remember to watch your portion sizes, as even with these swaps, they're still savory treats!
My kids are fussy eaters. Any tips to get them to eat these Parmesan Zucchini Tots?
Ah, the eternal parent's dilemma! Here are a few tricks: Firstly, get them involved in making them – kids are more likely to eat something they helped create. Secondly, serve them with a fun dipping sauce like ketchup or a creamy ranch dressing. Finally, you could try cutting the tots into fun shapes before baking – everyone loves a star or a heart!
